When it comes to faith, it can be easy to silo off into one or two specific lanes online, where all you ever see is your own opinion bounced back at you. That’s no way to manage a spiritual journey. For all the bad things about social media, one of the good things is that it gives you is the opportunity to open yourself up to a variety of perspectives. Sometimes you’ll agree. Many times you won’t. And sometimes — just sometimes – you might even end up changing your mind.
As the Black Lives Matter protests continue to surge through America and around the world, it’s important to make sure you’re hearing from Black faith leaders who can inform your own views on the movement from a spiritual perspective. You probably won’t agree with everyone on this list — they certainly all don’t agree with each other — but this is a great way to expand your feed to make sure you’re hearing from Black faith leaders who can challenge and encourage you throughout the day. It’s not an exhaustive list, but it’s a great start.
Make sure to check out our 25 Essential Black Voices on Mental Health and Wellness and 25 Essential Black Voices for Anyone Looking to Learn More About Racial Justice too.
T.D. Jakes
Instagram: @bishopjakes
T.D. Jakes is the senior pastor of The Potter’s House of Dallas and is a New York Times best-selling author. His most recent book is Planted with a Purpose: God Turns Pressure into Power. He has made a profound impact on thousands of people through his ministry and influence.
Jo Saxton
Instagram: @josaxton
Jo Saxton is a speaker, podcaster, and entrepreneurial coach whose book Ready to Rise will inspire you to own your voice and access your greatest potential.
Michael Todd
Instagram: @iammiketodd
Michael Todd is the lead pastor of Transformation Church in Oklahoma. He is a father, communicator and the author of Relationship Goals which is a #1 New York Times best-seller.
Nona Jones
Instagram: @nonanotnora
Nona Jones is an entrepreneur, speaker and the author of From Social Media to Social Ministry and Success from the Inside Out. She is also the founder of Faith & Prejudice, a movement created for Christians who have the desire to stand up against racial injustice.
Derwin Gray
Instagram: @derwinlgray
Derwin Gray is the lead pastor of Transformation Church in South Carolina. He is a speaker, former player in the NFL, the host of the Marinate on That Podcast and the author of The Good Life.
Rev. Jacqui Lewis
Instagram: @RevJacquiLewis
Revered Lewis is a preacher, teacher, speaker, activist and writer who is passionate about issues like racial equality, gun control and economic justice. You can buy her Ten Essential Strategies for Becoming a Multiracial Congregation here.
Sam Collier
Instagram: @samcollier
Sam Collier is a pastor, writer and host of the TV Show and radio podcast, A Greater Story with Sam Collier. You can preorder his book A Greater Story, which discusses the story God is writing in each of our lives.
Candice Marie Benbow
Instagram: @candicebenbow
Candice is an essayist and public theologian whose work focuses on empowering women and helping them find healing.
Anthony B. Bradley
Instagram: @drantbradley
Anthony is a professor at the King’s College in New York City where he teaches Religious and Theological Studies. He has appeared on a variety of news networks and is the author of Ending Overcriminlization and Mass Incarceration: Hope From Civil Society.
Priscilla Shirer
Instagram: @priscillashirer
Priscilla Shirer is a motivational speaker, actress, writer and the founder of Going beyond Ministries. She is the author of several books and Bible studies that can all be accessed on her website.
Earl McClellan
Instagram: @earlmcclellan
Earl McClellan is the pastor of Shoreline City Church based in Dallas, Texas in Philadelphia with a passion for developing leaders for tomorrow.
Christina Edmonson
Instagram: @joypeacecbe
Dr. Christina Edmondson is a public speaker, co-host of The Truth’s Table podcast, mental health therapist and assists churches with mental health issues.
Travis Greene
Instagram: @travisgreenetv
Travis Greene is the pastor of Forward City Church in South Carolina. Before he was a pastor, he pursued music and still continues to do so in his current ministry.
Sarah Jakes Roberts
Instagram: @sarahjakesroberts
Sarah Jakes Roberts is a speaker, the founder of Women Evolve and the author of Don’t Settle for Safe. She also co-pastors The Potter’s House at One LA and The Potter’s House Denver with her husband.
Bishop IV Hilliard
Instagram: @bishophilliard
Bishop I.V. Hilliard is a speaker, the author of several books and the Founder of New Light Christian Center Church in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Dharius Daniels
Instagram: @dhariusdaniels
Dr. Dharius Daniels is the lead pastor of Change Church, author of Relational Intelligence and the host of the Dharius Daniels podcast, where he talks about spiritual health, finances, relationships and more.
Austin Channing Brown
Instagram: @austinchanning
Austin Channing Brown is a speaker, producer, racial justice advocate and author of I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness.
Johnathan Evans
Instagram: @johnathanblakeevans
Johnathan Evans is a former player in the NFL, speaker and author. He desires to equip the next generation of leaders to commit themselves to Christ.
Dr. Irishea Hilliard
Instagram: @driresha
Dr. Irishea Hilliard is the host of the Inner Circle Conference and the founder of Sheroes League, which is a group of women who lead others to live in their purpose.
Devon Franklin
Instagram: @devonfranklin
DeVon Franklin is an international speaker, award winning producer and the author of The Success Commandments: Master the Ten Spiritual Principles to Achieve Your Destiny.
Dr. Chaneqa Walker-Barnes
Instagram: @drchanequa
Dr. Walker-Barnes is a psychologist, professor, preacher and the author of I Bring the Voices of My People: A Womanist Vision for Racial Reconciliation.
Kirk Franklin
Instagram: @kirkfranklin
Kirk Franklin is a well-known musician, singer, choir director and Grammy Award winner. He is also the author of The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms.
Israel Houghton
Instagram: @israelhoughton
Israel Houghton is a singer, songwriter and producer.
Robert Madu
Instagram: @robertmadu
Robert Madu is a preacher, speaker and the Founder and Senior Pastor of World Changers Church.
Tony Evans
Instagram: @drtonyevans
Dr. Tony Evans is a best-selling author, pastor, speaker and the president of The Urban Alternative, which is a ministry built to restore hope in communities through God’s word.